Top Things to See in Ilocos Norte?

Unlike the neighboring province, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte is blessed with a lot of beautiful and unforgettable sites to discover. Below are some of the places you must see when you visit the province.

Paoay Lake

Declared as a National Park in 1978 and locally called dakkel danum, which means large body of water.  It is a legendary lake because of the interesting and enchanting history passed upon by forefathers to present generations. Read more>>

 

The Sinking Bell Tower of Laoag

This centuries old 45m bell tower is the first thing you'll see when you arrive at  Laoag's town proper.  Reputed to be the most solid, massive and tallest tower in the Philippines. Read more>>

Laoag Cathedral (Saint William Metropolitan Cathedral)

Another reason I want to come back in Ilocos Norte is this church.  Also known as St. Augustine Catholic Parish Church, is one of the biggest and oldest church in the country. Read more>> 

Malacanang of the North

This beautiful house of two-storey sits on a five-hectare property with a magnificent view of Paoay Lake.  It has grand living rooms, seven bedrooms, an expansive terrace and a beautiful garden overlooking the lake. It was called Malacanang of the north, because this was an official house of the former President during his time. Read more>>  

Paoay Church (St. Augustine Catholic Parish Church)

Formally called St. Augustine Catholic Parish Church is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines and inscribed UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Read more>> 

Batac Church (Immaculate Concepcion Parish Church)

Church at the birthplace of the former President Ferdinand Marcos. One of its priors wrote the "Relacion", retelling Diego Silang's rise against the Spaniards. The church has a lot of renovations and reconstructions.  The present church is the 1692 reconstruction, with the facade just renovated recently. Read more>>

Marcos Museum & Mausoleum

Both memorabilia storage and the current resting place of former President Ferdinand Marcos.  It is situated in the heart of Batac City, Ilocos Norte. Here you can see the story of the former President from being just a student to being president.  Read more>> 

Paoay Sand Dunes (La Paz Sand Dunes)

This national geological monument expands from the boundary of Currimao and Paoay to La Paz in Laoag City.  The scenery going to this place is not that pretty but when you get to see the sand dunes, you’ll be amazed on how these small dunes were formed.  Read more>>

Sarrat Church (Santa Monica Parish Church)

Originally known as San Miguel Church, this church is renowned as the largest church in Ilocos Norte.  What interest me most of this church is the bell tower, standing proudly just beside the church.  Read more>> 

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse(Burgos Lighthouse)

Is a cultural structure located at Burgos, Ilocos Norte.  This is not the tales lighthouse in the country like what other believed.  But it is however, the most accessible light house in Luzon.  Read more>>

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

Is a formation created by forces of the ocean on the rocky coast of Burgos, located just a few minutes further from the lighthouse. Read more>>

Bangui Wind Farm(Bangui Windmills)

 

Is the first wind generating farm in the Southeast Asia. This was built due to insufficient power provided by National Power Corporation. What amazes me when I saw first saw these, was how giant these windmills are and how they stand out from the blue/green ocean and blue skies.  Read more>>

Patapat Viaduct 

Is a coastal bridge connecting Ilocos Norte and Cagayan Valey Region. It's really amazing to see this snake-like bridge in between the ocean and the mountains. It's the 4th longest bridge in the country. Read more>>

Blue Lagoon, Pagudpud

We were not able to explore more of Pudpud because we don't have much time.  We only visited the Blue Lagoon, had a dip, sleep then went home.  Don't ever visit Blue Lagoon during Holy Week, as it's really over crowded. Read more>>

Going to Pagudpud is a bit tricky when driving so we were lost, but I was kind of glad because we were able to see the beautiful scenery. Oh and don't forget to stop by the stores along the road to buy salt or some local vegetables.  And make sure to feast your eyes with the blue sea!

If you find this interesting, please drop me a comment! :)